Motorcycle insurance: the whole story

Is motrcycle insurance mandatory?

Quebec’s Automobile Insurance Act requires motorcycle owners to have civil liability coverage of at least $50,000 to cover injury or damage to another person and vehicle in the event of an accident.

Are you planning to leave the province on your motorcycle? Insurers generally recommend increasing your coverage to $2 million. If you are found to be responsible for an accident in the United States, the other person involved could sue you. Your civil liability insurance would pay the compensation.

How to shop for motorcycle insurance

You have three options for shopping for your motorcycle insurance:

• Call the insurers

  Contacting insurers yourself takes longer, but you are sure to reach those that interest you. To effectively compare, ensure that all the quotes you receive contain the same coverages. Also ask for e-mail confirmation of your quotes. Be attentive: some insurers include the 9% tax in their premiums; others do not. That could explain price differences.

• Deal with an insurance broker

  Brokers generally work with several insurance firms. To be sure that this is the case with your broker, ask to receive all the quotes, along with the names of the insurers contacted. This solution definitely required less time and effort than the first, but it may offer you fewer choices than you would like!

• Use an online quote comparer

  Online comparers provide you with quotes from insurers with which they have business agreements. You need only make one request, which means you save time. You should know, however, that these websites do not have agreements with all insurers in the marketplace. What’s more, you are not guaranteed a quote from all the insurers registered with the site. Generally, clients receive only two or three quotes.

Tips for saving on your motorcycle insurance

• Contact at least three insurers. The more you shop, the better your chances of finding the best premium.
• Ask for a quote from your current car or home insurer. It may offer you a discount if you combine several products. Note that some insurers will not agree to cover only your motorcycle; they will want to insure your car too.
• Drive carefully: a good record can earn you a discount with some insurance companies. Taking a refresher driving course that is recognized by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) can also play in your favour.
• Adjust your motorcycle insurance coverage to meet your needs. Discuss with your insurer the various options for reducing your premium.

 It’s worth shopping for insurance, but you have to factor in the time it takes. A good strategy? Call some insurers yourself, retain the services of a broker to obtain a few additional quotes and, finally, at least try out an online comparison tool. All of these efforts will give you a much clearer picture of the situation.

Accident insurance: protection for peace of mind

As you know, a motorcycle accident can have a big impact on your health, but it can also affect your family’s finances. To protect yourself, accident insurance is a great option, costing only a few dollars a month. Its major advantage: you and your family receive compensation even if you have other insurance!

This insurance is designed to provide financial support in the event of permanent injuries or death in an accident. Each product has its specific features, but accident insurance generally provides for compensation in case of death that can reach about $100,000.

It also provides various benefits to help the insured recover from the accident and adapt his or her living environment following permanent injuries. Here are some examples:

• Compensation in case of loss of use of a limb or paralysis
• Reimbursement of certain medical costs
• Adaptation of a vehicle or residence
• Reimbursement of professional training

Accident insurance lets you cover your bases while enjoying your passion!